#1 Ranked Shinya Aoki Named For Dream 7

Dream on Friday announced two additional bouts to its March 8 fight card. Dream 7 is set to feature the opening round of the promotion’s Featherweight Grand Prix.

Somewhat surprisingly, Shinya Aoki– the No. 1 ranked lightweight in the world – announced to face American fighter David Gardner at Dream 7. Aoki is already scheduled to participate in the Dream Welterweight Grand Prix on April 5.

Aoki and Gardner will fight at a weight of 74 kg / 163 lbs., according to a report from NightmareOfBattle.com.

Ishida– currently ranked No. 8 in the world at lightweight – was on the Strikeforce radar for that promotion’s April 11 debut on Showtime. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker had hopes of matching Ishida up against Gilbert Melendez, but with the fight against Nakamura just one month prior, a huge shadow of doubt is cast over a bout with Melendez.